Portable shelter

ABSTRACT

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable shelter, whether being of the type having a floating canopy or an umbrella. The shelter includes a support including an upright. A canopy is supported by the support. The canopy includes an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame. The frame includes retractable ribs supporting the sheet. The frame also includes a stretcher arrangement for stretching out each rib from the support. The shelter further includes a line arrangement extending between the stretcher arrangement and each rib.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable shelter. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to beach shelters and other like outdoor shelters.

BACKGROUND

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

AU 2020100586 discloses a beach shelter suitable for windy conditions. The portable shelter includes a bridged frame, and a canopy including a fixed-end extending from the frame. A free-end of the canopy flutters freely in the breeze.

In practice, the bridged frame can be time-consuming and involved to assemble and/or relocate. The preferred embodiment provides for improved assembly and/or relocation of the shelter.

Further, in the event that the sun position or wind changes, the bridged frame is difficult to reconfigure to obtain desired shading from the shelter. The preferred embodiment provides for improved reconfiguration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter including:

-   -   a support including an upright; and     -   a canopy for being supported by the support.

The canopy may include a free-end for fluttering in the breeze. The support may extend from the ground at a single location which may advantageously result in improved assembly, and/or relocation of the shelter by simply moving the support to another single location. Alternatively, the shelter may be a hand-held umbrella with a secured canopy.

The support may be bent so that the canopy can be readily angled, without moving the support from the single location, to obtain desired shading from the shelter in the event that the sun position changes. The support may include a pair of hingedly coupled post members. The support may also be rotated about its axis in the ground. The canopy may be angled in a plane, up to 40° in either direction from vertical.

The canopy may include an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame. The sheet may fold in on itself when the frame is collapsed. The sheet may be permanently affixed to the frame. The frame may expand in a single plane. The frame may include the support.

The frame may include retractable ribs supporting the sheet. Each rib may be articulated. Each rib may be pivotally expandable. Each rib may include a proximal member, and a distal member pivotally coupled to the proximal member. The proximal member may not be coupled to the end of the distal member. An end of the distal member may be pivotally coupled to a stretcher arrangement. The distal member may fold in toward the proximal member. The frame may include two or four ribs.

The frame may include a stretcher arrangement for stretching out each rib from the support. The stretcher arrangement may include two or more stretchers, and preferably three stretchers. The stretchers may converge when stretching out the rib. The stretcher arrangement may include a first stretcher coupled between the support and the rib. The stretcher arrangement may include a slider for sliding along the first stretcher. A second stretcher may be coupled to the slider. The stretcher arrangement may further include a second stretcher coupled between the first stretcher and a runner for running along the support. The second stretcher may be slidably attached to the first stretcher. The stretcher arrangement may further include a third stretcher coupled between the first stretcher and the support. The third stretcher may be slidably attached to the first stretcher. The third stretcher may be pivotally coupled to the second stretcher.

The runner may move upward to expand the ribs. The shelter may include a lock for locking the expanded frame. The lock may include a pin for being received in the support and for locking the runner in place. The shelter may include means for rotating the support to suit wind direction. The shelter may further include at least one foot protrusion for engaging with a foot to couple the support in the ground. The protrusion may be retractable. The shelter may include three spaced apart protrusions radially extending from the support. The support may terminate in a screw for screwing into the ground. The shelter may include a depth indicator to indicate that the support is of sufficient depth in the ground.

The shelter may further include a tether for tethering to the support, and an anchor for anchoring the tether. The anchor may include a receptacle for receiving earth.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for erecting a shelter including:

-   -   erecting a support including an upright post extending from the         ground; and     -   supporting, using the support, a canopy so that its free-end         flutters in the breeze.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable frame for a portable shelter, the frame including:

-   -   one or more retractable ribs for supporting sheet material; and     -   a stretcher arrangement for stretching out the ribs from a         support, the stretcher arrangement including:     -   a first stretcher for coupling between the support and the rib;         and     -   a second stretcher for coupling to the first stretcher.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expandable frame for a portable shelter, the frame including one or more retractable ribs for supporting sheet material, each rib including:

-   -   a proximal member; and     -   a distal member pivotally coupled to the proximal member;     -   wherein the proximal member is not coupled to the end of the         distal member so there is overlap when the rib is fully         expanded.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a portable shelter during sequential assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an upper perspective view during a subsequent assembly position of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is an upper perspective view during a subsequent assembly position of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 1D is an upper perspective view during a subsequent assembly position of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 1E is an upper perspective view during a subsequent assembly position of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 1D;

FIG. 1F is an upper perspective view during a subsequent assembly position of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 1E;

FIG. 2A is a front view showing the frame configuration of the portable shelter in FIGS. 1A-1F during the sequential assembly;

FIG. 2B is a front view during a subsequent assembly position of the frame configuration of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front view during a subsequent assembly position of the frame configuration of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a front view during a subsequent assembly position of the frame configuration of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 2C;

FIG. 2E is a front view during a subsequent assembly position of the frame configuration of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 3A is an upper perspective view showing the angling of the canopy of the portable shelter in FIGS. 1A-1F;

FIG. 3B is an upper perspective view showing a different angling configuration of the canopy of the portable shelter in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an upper perspective view showing a different angling configuration of the canopy of the portable shelter in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a front view showing of the portable shelter depicted in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the portable shelter depicted in 3B;

FIG. 4C is a front view depicting the portable shelter in 3C;

FIG. 5A is an upper perspective view of a retractable foot platform of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a magnified side view of detail portion A in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a magnified perspective view of detail portion A in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is an upper perspective view of the portable shelter and retractable foot platform of FIG. 5A during a subsequent deployment step;

FIG. 5E is a magnified side view of detail portion A in FIG. 5D;

FIG. 5F is a magnified perspective view of detail portion A in FIG. 5D;

FIG. 5G is an upper perspective view of the portable shelter and retractable foot platform of FIG. 5D during a subsequent deployment step;

FIG. 5H is a magnified side view of detail portion A in FIG. 5G;

FIG. 5I is a magnified perspective view of detail portion A in FIG. 5G;

FIG. 6A is a front view showing half the frame configuration of a portable shelter in in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a front view of half the frame configuration of the portable shelter in FIG. 6A during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 6C is a front view of half the frame configuration of the portable shelter in FIG. 6B during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 6D is a front view of half the frame configuration of the portable shelter in FIG. 6C during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 6E is a front view of half the frame configuration of the portable shelter in FIG. 6F during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 7A is a front view showing the frame configuration of a portable shelter in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the portable shelter in FIG. 7A during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 7C is a front view of the portable shelter in FIG. 7B during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 7D is a front view of the portable shelter in FIG. 7C during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 7E is a front view of the portable shelter in FIG. 7D during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 8A is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8B is a top view of half the shelter of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of FIG. 7E;

FIG. 8D is a top view of half the shelter of FIG. 8C;

FIG. 9A is a front view depicting the frame configuration of a portable shelter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is a front view of the frame configuration of FIG. 9A during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 9C is a front view of the frame configuration of FIG. 9B during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 9D is a front view of the frame configuration of FIG. 9C during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 9E is a front view of the frame configuration of FIG. 9D during a subsequent assembly position;

FIG. 10A is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of FIG. 9B;

FIG. 10B is a top view of half the shelter of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C is an upper perspective view of half the shelter of FIG. 9E;

FIG. 10D is a top view of half the shelter of FIG. 10C;

FIG. 11 is a side view of another embodiment with a line arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable shelter 100 as shown in FIG. 1 . The shelter 100 has a support 102 including an upright post extending up from the ground at a single location. A collapsible canopy 104 is supported by the support 102 and includes a free-end 106 for fluttering in the breeze.

The support 102 extends from the ground at a single location which advantageously results in improved assembly with ready erection of the sole support 102. Further, the shelter 100 can be readily relocated by simply moving the support 102 to another single location.

The roof canopy 104 includes an expandable frame 108, in turn, including the upper end of the support 102. Further, the canopy 104 includes a sheet of flaccid material 110 at a fixed end which extends from the frame 108 to its fluttering free end 106 opposite the fixed end. The material sheet 110 is permanently affixed to the frame 108, and is expanded in-situ as the frame 108 expands in a single plane during shelter assembly, without the need for separate fastening of the sheet 110 which would otherwise be time-consuming. The majority of the flaccid material 110 is not supported and flutters in the breeze to provide suitable shade from the canopy for at least one person.

As can best be seen in FIG. 1F, the shelter 100 further includes a tether 112 for tethering to the support 102, and an anchor 114 for anchoring the tether 112. The anchor 114 includes a receptacle for receiving surrounding earth, such as sand and rock.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2C, the frame 108 includes an opposed pair of uppermost articulated ribs 200, retractable on either side of the support 102, for supporting the sheet 110. The sheet 110 folds in on itself when the frame 108 is collapsed so that the wet surfaces fold together and any water is contained there-between. Each rib 200 is pivotally expandable from the support 102 in two different directions, namely including a pair of pivotally joined rib members 202 with one rib member 202 a pivoting in a clockwise direction and the other rib member 202 b pivoting in an anticlockwise direction. The weight of the sheet 110 on the distal members 202 b biases the ribs 200 toward an expanded configuration.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2D, the frame 108 also includes a stretcher arrangement 204 for expanding the ribs 200 from the support 102. The stretcher arrangement 204 includes a pair of upper stretchers 206 pivotally coupled between an upper runner 208 for running along the support 102 and the ribs 200.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2E, the stretcher arrangement 204 further includes a pair of lower stretchers 210 pivotally coupled between the upper stretchers 206 and a lower runner 212. The runners 208, 212 move toward each other, along the support 102, to expand the ribs 200.

The shelter 100 includes a lock for locking the expanded frame 108. The lock includes an over-centering arrangement for locking the frame 108 in an expanded configuration when the runners 208, 212 are moved together beyond a certain point. The lock also includes a pin for being received in the support 212 and for locking at least one of the runners 208, 212 in place.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bendable support 102 includes a pair of hingedly coupled post members 400 a, 400 b so that the canopy 104 can be readily angled, without moving the support 102 from the single location in the ground, to obtain desired shading from the shelter 100 in the event that the sun position changes. The support 102 can be rotated about its axis in the ground to accommodate changes in wind, and the expanded canopy 104 can be angled in a plane, up to about 40° in either direction from vertical.

Turning to FIGS. 5 , the shelter 100 further includes three retractable foot platforms 500 (i.e., protrusions), extending transversely at the base of the support 102, for engaging with a foot to couple the support 102 in the ground. Each lever platform 500 includes a pair of hinged plates, with top plate fixed in position along the support 102, and radially extends transverse the support 102. The support 102 also terminates in a screw tip 502 for screwing into the ground.

A method for erecting the shelter 100 is now described.

Initially as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the support 102 is screwed into the ground which, in turn, pushes against and expands the foot platforms 500. A user can kick the edge of one of the partially expanded lever platforms 500 to further rotate and drive the support 102 into the ground, which hardens with depth, to align the folded material sheet 110 into the wind. Meanwhile, the top end of the support 102 is held for stability. The fully expanded platforms 500 also serve as a dynamic depth indicator to expand and indicate that the support is of sufficient depth in the ground. The fully expanded platforms 500 are stabilizing protrusions for engaging with the adjacent ground surface in wind gusts and stabilizing the support 102 in the ground.

FIG. 1A shows the erected support 102 including the upright post extending from the ground in which it is screwed. The support 102 initially supports the retracted canopy 104 so that its free-end 106 flutters in the breeze.

As shown in FIGS. 1B to 1E, the runners 208, 212 (see also FIG. 2 ) are brought together by the user to expand the canopy 104. The lock locks the runners 208, 212 along the support 102.

As the day goes by, and the wind direction and sun position changes, the support 102 can be rotated using the platforms 500 as shown in FIG. 5 , and angled about the hinge as shown in FIG. 4 , to maintain suitable shade from the canopy 104.

A similar shelter 100′ according to another embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 .

Turning first to FIG. 6C, the frame 108′ includes retractable ribs 200′ supporting the sheet 110, as before. Each uppermost rib 200′ is articulated and pivotally expandable. Each rib 200′ includes a proximal member 202 a′ pivotally coupled to the top of the support 102 at a fixed hub 600, and a distal member 202 b′ pivotally coupled to the proximal member 202 a′. The proximal member 202 a is not coupled to the end of the distal member 202 b so there is overlap when the rib 200′ is fully expanded (see. FIG. 6E), making it difficult for the shelter 100′ to flip inside-out when windy and enabling the shelter 100′ to fold down to half the length of a normal shelter. During collapse, the distal member 202 b′ folds in toward the proximal member 202 a′, as before. The 1-D frame 108′ includes two ribs 200′, although can be extended to be a 2-D frame with four evenly spaced ribs 200′ for an umbrella.

Turning to FIG. 6D, a proximal end of the distal member 202 b′ is pivotally coupled to a stretcher arrangement 204′ of the frame 108′. The stretcher arrangement 204′ stretches out each rib 200′ from the support 102 using three fixed length stretchers 206′, 210′, 602.

An intermediate (i.e., first) stretcher 206′ is pivotally coupled between the support 102, via a fixed hub 600, and the end of the distal member 202 b′ of the rib 200′.

A lower (i.e., second) stretcher 210′ is coupled between the intermediate stretcher 206′ and a sliding runner 212′ for running along the support 102. The lower stretcher 210′ is slidably attached to the intermediate stretcher 206′, via a tubular slider 604 to which it is pivotally attached. Accordingly, the lower stretcher 210′ is pivotally coupled to the slider 604 and the runner 212′.

An upper (i.e., third) stretcher coupled between the intermediate stretcher 206′ and the support 102. The upper stretcher 602 is also slidably attached to the intermediate stretcher 206′, via a slider 604 to which it is pivotally attached. Accordingly, the upper stretcher 602 is pivotally coupled to the slider 604 and a fixed hub 600.

In use, the runner 212′ is moved upward to expand the ribs 200′ or downward to collapse them with an incredibly easy movement. In pushing the runner 212′ up, the slider 604 slides out along the intermediate stretcher 206′ and the ribs 200′ expand. The upper and lower stretchers 210′, 602 converge. The shelter 100′ includes a lock for locking the expanded frame 108′ with a locking pin in the runner 212′ and support 102.

A similar shelter 100″ according to another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .

Turning first to FIG. 8C, the frame 108″ includes retractable ribs 200′ supporting the sheet 110, as before. As before, each uppermost rib 200′ is articulated and pivotally expandable. Each rib 200′ includes a proximal member 202 a′ pivotally coupled to the top of the support 102 at a fixed hub 600, and a distal member 202 b′ pivotally coupled to the proximal member 202 a′. The proximal member 202 a is not coupled to the end of the distal member 202 b so there is overlap when the rib 200′ is fully expanded (see. FIG. 8E), making it difficult for the shelter 100″ to flip inside-out when windy and enabling the shelter 100″ to fold down to half the length of a normal shelter. During collapse, the distal member 202 b′ folds in toward the proximal member 202 a′, as before. The 1-D frame 108″ includes two ribs 200′, although can be extended to be a 2-D frame with four evenly spaced ribs 200′ for an umbrella.

Turning to FIG. 7D, a proximal end of the distal member 202 b′ is pivotally coupled to a stretcher arrangement 204″ of the frame 108″. The stretcher arrangement 204″ stretches out each rib 200′ from the support 102 using two fixed length stretchers 206″, 210″, both pivotally mounted at both ends. The stretchers 206″, 210′ can be coupled together with a slider 604.

In use, the runner 212′ is moved upward to expand the ribs 200′ or downward to collapse them with an incredibly easy movement. In pushing the runner 212′ up, the slider 604 the stretchers 206″ stretch out the ribs 200′.

As can best be seen in FIG. 8D, the proximal member 202 a′ is coupled using coupler 800 to be adjacent to the distal member 202 b′ in a horizontal plane. Alternatively, in the similar embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , and as best be seen in FIG. 10D, the proximal member 202 a′ is coupled using coupler 1000 to be adjacent (or superimposed relative) to the distal member 202 b′ in a vertical plane.

FIG. 11 shows a similar embodiment to that of FIG. 8 or 10 , for use with any portable shelter including an umbrella as before, where the stretcher 206″ has been replaced with lines 1100, 1102 (e.g., cables) to facilitate closing and opening of the shelter 100.

The upper line 1100 extends between the stretcher 210′ and the proximal member 202 a′. The upper line 1100 is extensible and resilient, and pulls the proximal member 202 a′ toward the stretcher 210′ when collapsing the shelter 100.

The lower line 1102 extends between the stretcher 210′ and the distal member 202 b′. The lower line 1102 pulls the end of the distal member 202 b′ toward the proximal member 202 a′ when opening the shelter 100 so that the ends of the members 202 a′, 202 b′ then come together. The lower line 1102 is rigid and inextensible, and bent at its distal end to pass around the hinge coupler when the shelter 100 is collapsed.

Advantageously, a 140 cm diameter golf umbrella will fold down to around 45-50 cm in length. The frame members 202 a, ‘202 b’ also fold the same way an umbrella blows inside out which usually destroys the frame of a conventional umbrella, whereas in the present embodiment it will just fold closed.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the runner 208 is replaced by a static hub fixed to the support 102.

Each line 1100, 1102 may or may not be resilient (e.g., elastic).

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. 

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
 1. A portable shelter including: a support including an upright; and a canopy for being supported by the support.
 2. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes an expandable frame, and a sheet of material supported by the frame.
 3. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sheet of material is supported by the frame at a fixed end and extends from the frame to a fluttering free end opposite the fixed end; the majority of the sheet being unsupported and fluttering in the breeze to provide suitable shade for at least one person.
 4. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the frame includes retractable ribs supporting the sheet and the sheet of material folds in on itself when the frame is collapsed.
 5. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein each rib is articulated and pivotally expandable.
 6. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein each rib includes a proximal member, and a distal member pivotally coupled to the proximal member.
 7. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the proximal member is not coupled to the end of the distal member so there is overlap when the rib is fully expanded.
 8. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein an end of the distal member is pivotally coupled to a line.
 9. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the distal member folds up and in toward the proximal member when collapsing the shelter, the frame preferably including two or four ribs.
 10. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 4, wherein the frame includes a stretcher arrangement for stretching out each rib from the support, the stretcher arrangement including a stretcher coupled between the support and each rib.
 11. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 10, further including a line arrangement extending between the stretcher arrangement and each rib to facilitate closing and/or opening of the shelter.
 12. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the line arrangement includes a line extending between each stretcher and a proximal member of each rib.
 13. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 12, wherein each line is resilient and pulls each proximal member toward the stretcher when collapsing the shelter.
 14. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the line arrangement includes a line extending between each stretcher and a distal member of each rib.
 15. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 14, wherein each line pulls an end of a distal member toward a proximal member when opening the shelter so that ends of the members come together.
 16. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the each line is rigid and/or inextensible.
 17. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the each line is bent at its distal end to pass around a hinge coupler when the shelter is collapsed.
 18. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 11, wherein the line arrangement includes: a first line extending between each stretcher and a proximal member of each rib; and a second line extending between each stretcher and a distal member of each rib.
 19. A portable shelter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support extends from the ground at a single location.
 20. An expandable frame for a portable shelter, the frame including one or more retractable ribs for supporting sheet material, each rib including: a proximal member; and a distal member pivotally coupled to the proximal member; wherein the proximal member is not coupled to the end of the distal member so there is overlap when the rib is fully expanded. 